Hull City have just five games in hand which will make or break their season. The Tigers sit one spot above the relegation zone with a two-point cushion. They host Watford next, a side who have struggled away from home recently. Marco Silva has masterminded a renaissance at KCOM stadium and considering how strong a team they have been at home, the game could well end in their favour.
Team News
Hull City– After playing a majority of the season without some of their key players, the Tigers are finally benefitting from their return. Suddenly, Marco Silva has all- Oumar Niasse, Abel Hernandez and Dieumerci Mbokani available for the forward’s role and the boss is having a dilemma choosing the most suitable option.
However, the long-term injury list remains the same with Ryan Mason and David Meyler out for the season and William Keane out till next November. While winter recruit Omar Elabdellaoui still recovers from his back injury, leaving centre-half Harry Maguire to deputise for him in that role, central midfielder Markus Henriksen has returned to training.
Watford– Manager Walter Mazzarri has a huge injury list to deal with, unlike his opponent, and his team selection remains a difficult job yet again. The Hornets are likely to be without first-choice goalie Heurelho Gomes for this fixture and winter recruit Tom Cleverley among the significant misses.
Apart from them, Ben Watson misses with a groin injury, Craig Cathcart with a knee injury and Abdoulaye Doucoure might be a doubt owing to a burnout. The long-term injury list remains unchanged with Younes Kaboul, Mauro Zarate and Roberto Pereyra.
Predicted Line-ups
Hull City- Jakupovic; Robertson, Dawson, Ranocchia, Maguire; N’Diaye, Huddlestone; Grosicki, Clucas, Markovic; Niasse
Watford- Pantilimon; Holebas, Mariappa, Prodl, Janmaat; Doucoure; Niang, Behrami, Capoue, Amrabat; Deeney
Key Players
Hull City- Oumar Niasse will undoubtedly be the most crucial attacker for Silva going into the fixture. The Everton loanee arrived at the KCOM Stadium last winter and wasted no time making an impression. He has managed four goals already and his runs in the opposition half has helped his teammates find space.
Watford- Without a doubt, skipper Troy Deeney will be the likeliest one to get his name on the scoresheet against Hull City. The experienced centre-forward is extremely clinical and usually takes his chances. With Watford struggling away from home, it’s perhaps time for the skipper to lead by example.
Odds
Hull City @ 1.95
Draw @ 3.60
Watford @ 4.20